Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
The Scottish National Party welcomed the Scottish breakdown of the last Angus Reid opinion poll of the year, conducted from 7-9 December, which shows SNP support up by 9 points from last month, and by 14 points from the May General Election, to 34 per cent for a Westminster election.
December party ratings; November poll in brackets; General Election figures in square brackets.
SNP: 34%, (25), [20]
Lab: 42%, (38), [42]
Con: 11%, (20), [16]
Lib Dem: 6%, (8), [19]
SNP Campaign Director Angus Robertson said:
“This is a fantastic last poll of the year for the SNP – with our support surging by 9 points since last month, and by 14 per cent since the General Election.
“By contrast, support for the UK government parties – the Tories and Lib Dems – has collapsed in Scotland. Tory support has halved in a month, and Lib Dem support is just a third of what it was at the General Election.
“Only the SNP stand for a better Scotland, and we are confident that our positive message will earn the trust of the people next May – when we know that SNP support is even stronger in a Scottish Parliament election.”
December Angus Reid poll:
http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/43683/labour-closes-year-on-top-in-britain-as-lib-dems-fall-to-single-digits/
November Angus Reid poll:
http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/43608/opposition-labour-extends-advantage-over-tories-in-britain/
About Me
- Bonnyrigg and Loanhead SNP
- Bonnyrigg, Loanhead and District Branch is responsible for SNP activity in the Midlothian Council Bonnyrigg and Midlothian West Council wards. The branch have two sitting Councillors, Cllr Bob Constable (Bonnyrigg) and Cllr Owen Thompson (Midlothian West)
Thursday, 23 December 2010
Wednesday, 22 December 2010
TORY/LIBDEM GOVT MUST COME CLEAN ON WINTER FUEL ALLOWANCE
For Immediate Release - Wednesday 22nd December 2010
Attn: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
Lothians SNP MSP Dr Ian McKee has questioned the Tory/LibDem government’s commitment to keeping the winter fuel allowance a universal benefit for everyone over 60 after Vince Cable yesterday admitted that it might be slashed. This is despite a pre-election pledge to keep the winter fuel benefit universal for future years.
In his spending review George Osborne said that the 'winter fuel payments will remain exactly as budgeted for by the previous government'. But Labour put aside only £2.1 billion for the winter fuel payment next year, £600 million less than the amount required to pay the full benefit. The current payments include a £50 bonus for those under 80 (£100 for those above 80) which has not been funded in current Government plans.
Commenting Dr McKee said:
“Vince Cable’s comments have left many pensioners anxious about paying for their energy bills. I’ve already had constituents on the phone worried that their winter fuel allowance might be scrapped.
“Such speculation by one of the highest figures of the Westminster government is bound to cause confusion. The Chancellor should clarify the matter and reassure people that their winter allowance is not under threat.
“So far this has been one of the coldest winters on record and elderly people rely on the allowance to pay for extra heating to keep themselves warm.
“If cold winters are to become more frequent the UK Government must make a solid commitment to keep providing the allowance in years to come.
“The Scottish Government on the other hand has extended the hours of its Home Energy Helpline which supports people concerned about keeping their home warm – I encourage anyone worried about tackling fuel poverty to phone the Scottish Government’s free helpline.”
ENDS
Notes:
1. Anyone aged 60 to 79 and who lives alone, or is the only person in the house that qualifies, gets £250. Those living alone aged 80 or over on September 27 get £400. If you are 60 to 79 and live with another qualifying individual, you get £125 each. If one of you is 80 or more, they receive £275. If there are two of you aged 80 or over you each get £200.
2. The Scottish Government’s Home Energy Helpline 0800 512 012.
Attn: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
Lothians SNP MSP Dr Ian McKee has questioned the Tory/LibDem government’s commitment to keeping the winter fuel allowance a universal benefit for everyone over 60 after Vince Cable yesterday admitted that it might be slashed. This is despite a pre-election pledge to keep the winter fuel benefit universal for future years.
In his spending review George Osborne said that the 'winter fuel payments will remain exactly as budgeted for by the previous government'. But Labour put aside only £2.1 billion for the winter fuel payment next year, £600 million less than the amount required to pay the full benefit. The current payments include a £50 bonus for those under 80 (£100 for those above 80) which has not been funded in current Government plans.
Commenting Dr McKee said:
“Vince Cable’s comments have left many pensioners anxious about paying for their energy bills. I’ve already had constituents on the phone worried that their winter fuel allowance might be scrapped.
“Such speculation by one of the highest figures of the Westminster government is bound to cause confusion. The Chancellor should clarify the matter and reassure people that their winter allowance is not under threat.
“So far this has been one of the coldest winters on record and elderly people rely on the allowance to pay for extra heating to keep themselves warm.
“If cold winters are to become more frequent the UK Government must make a solid commitment to keep providing the allowance in years to come.
“The Scottish Government on the other hand has extended the hours of its Home Energy Helpline which supports people concerned about keeping their home warm – I encourage anyone worried about tackling fuel poverty to phone the Scottish Government’s free helpline.”
ENDS
Notes:
1. Anyone aged 60 to 79 and who lives alone, or is the only person in the house that qualifies, gets £250. Those living alone aged 80 or over on September 27 get £400. If you are 60 to 79 and live with another qualifying individual, you get £125 each. If one of you is 80 or more, they receive £275. If there are two of you aged 80 or over you each get £200.
2. The Scottish Government’s Home Energy Helpline 0800 512 012.
LIB DEM LET DOWNS HIGHLIGHT NEED FOR MORE POWERS
For Immediate Release - Wednesday 22nd December 2010
Attention: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
SCOTLAND OFFICE WON'T SPEAK UP FOR SCOTLAND'S STUDENTS
As the Scottish Secretary, Michael Moore, admitted his vote in favour of tuition fees was the worst crime a politician can commit the SNP issued a call for further powers for the Scottish Parliament to protect Scotland.
Commenting SNP MSP and Education Committee member Alasdair Allan said:
"With power over tuition fees, the Scottish Parliament was able to protect students in Scotland from the worse ravages of Tory ideology - something their Lib Dem coalition partners have failed at miserably.
"If Michael Moore is willing to commit "the worst crime a politician can commit" after less than 6 months in office, how can Scotland's Liberal Democrat MPs - particularly the Scottish Secretary - possibly be trusted to protect Scotland's interests again?
"In upcoming votes on taxes, welfare, on support for the most vulnerable, real protection for Scotland's families will not come from the feeble Lib Dems or Labour MPs but with more powers for the Scottish Parliament.
"With more powers for the Scottish Parliament we can make Scotland better and protect Scottish families from a dismal decade of Westminster cuts."
ENDS
Contact SNP Press 0131 348 6228
Notes:
Mr Moore was secretly filmed by the Daily Telegraph saying:
"I signed a pledge that promised not to do this. I've just done the worst crime a politician can commit, the reason most folk distrust us as a breed. I've had to break a pledge and very, very publicly.
"In what is a car crash, train wreck, whatever metaphor one wishes to put in terms of the politics of this, and it is deeply damaging to my party, to me individually and lots of others."
Attention: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
SCOTLAND OFFICE WON'T SPEAK UP FOR SCOTLAND'S STUDENTS
As the Scottish Secretary, Michael Moore, admitted his vote in favour of tuition fees was the worst crime a politician can commit the SNP issued a call for further powers for the Scottish Parliament to protect Scotland.
Commenting SNP MSP and Education Committee member Alasdair Allan said:
"With power over tuition fees, the Scottish Parliament was able to protect students in Scotland from the worse ravages of Tory ideology - something their Lib Dem coalition partners have failed at miserably.
"If Michael Moore is willing to commit "the worst crime a politician can commit" after less than 6 months in office, how can Scotland's Liberal Democrat MPs - particularly the Scottish Secretary - possibly be trusted to protect Scotland's interests again?
"In upcoming votes on taxes, welfare, on support for the most vulnerable, real protection for Scotland's families will not come from the feeble Lib Dems or Labour MPs but with more powers for the Scottish Parliament.
"With more powers for the Scottish Parliament we can make Scotland better and protect Scottish families from a dismal decade of Westminster cuts."
ENDS
Contact SNP Press 0131 348 6228
Notes:
Mr Moore was secretly filmed by the Daily Telegraph saying:
"I signed a pledge that promised not to do this. I've just done the worst crime a politician can commit, the reason most folk distrust us as a breed. I've had to break a pledge and very, very publicly.
"In what is a car crash, train wreck, whatever metaphor one wishes to put in terms of the politics of this, and it is deeply damaging to my party, to me individually and lots of others."
MOORE REVEALS INABILITY TO STAND UP FOR DEFENCE
For Immediate Release - Wednesday 22nd December 2010
Attention: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
With Scotland facing unprecedented and disproportionate defence cuts, the Scottish National Party (SNP) has criticised Scottish Secretary for comments leaked in press revelations.
Michael Moore is quoted as saying “I mean Liam Fox [the Defence Secretary] and I probably couldn't stay in the same situation for very long if we were going through a big, long menu of issues”.
At present two out of three RAF bases in Scotland are facing closure and uniformed service personnel will be reduced by 25% to around only 8,000.
Commenting, Westminster SNP Leader and Defence spokesman Angus Robertson
MP said:
“Scotland is facing a long list of disproportionate defence cuts and we now learn that the Scottish Secretary doesn’t feel able to deal with the Defence Secretary.
“We need clarity from Michael Moore whether he is going to bat for Scotland or continue to act against his principles and the interests of people in Scotland.
“The future of defence bases, service families and local communities is at stake and we need ministers who will fight for them.
“This underlines why defence decisions should be taken in Scotland, and not left as a plaything for Westminster politicians."
ENDS
Attention: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
With Scotland facing unprecedented and disproportionate defence cuts, the Scottish National Party (SNP) has criticised Scottish Secretary for comments leaked in press revelations.
Michael Moore is quoted as saying “I mean Liam Fox [the Defence Secretary] and I probably couldn't stay in the same situation for very long if we were going through a big, long menu of issues”.
At present two out of three RAF bases in Scotland are facing closure and uniformed service personnel will be reduced by 25% to around only 8,000.
Commenting, Westminster SNP Leader and Defence spokesman Angus Robertson
MP said:
“Scotland is facing a long list of disproportionate defence cuts and we now learn that the Scottish Secretary doesn’t feel able to deal with the Defence Secretary.
“We need clarity from Michael Moore whether he is going to bat for Scotland or continue to act against his principles and the interests of people in Scotland.
“The future of defence bases, service families and local communities is at stake and we need ministers who will fight for them.
“This underlines why defence decisions should be taken in Scotland, and not left as a plaything for Westminster politicians."
ENDS
Tuesday, 21 December 2010
COALITION ENGULFED IN CABLE’S NUCLEAR FALLOUT
For immediate use – Tuesday 21 December 2010
Attn: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
Commenting on news that Business Secretary Vince Cable has been stripped of responsibility for key decisions by his department after comments he made to undercover reporters SNP Home Affairs spokesperson Pete Wishart MP said the LibDem Ministers position was unsustainable.
It was earlier reported that Dr Cable had claimed he could "bring the government down", that being in the coalition was "like fighting a war" and that he could use the "nuclear option" of quitting.
Mr Wishart said:
“Vince Cable’s nuclear threat seems to have exploded in his face and the fallout has engulfed the Tory-led government. His position is totally untenable and he would certainly have been out of office had the UK government not been so totally hamstrung.
“From being a star turn, Vince Cable has become a liability for the LibDems and his remarks lift the lid on the cracks in the Tory-led government.
“Vince Cable’s boasts would be more believable if he had actually used his claimed influence to honour the LibDems pre-election promises on VAT and tuition fees. Instead the LibDems have betrayed voters by caving in to the Tories. We have a Business Secretary who can no
longer make key departmental decisions, and Ministers who vote for policies they campaigned against in the election.
“It seems we only find out what this Tory-led government are really thinking from their unguarded comments – with Vince Cables gaffes following Lord Young’s claims that we’ve never had it so good, and Lord Flight’s suggestion that welfare changes will encourage breeding amongst the poor.”
ENDS
Attn: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
Commenting on news that Business Secretary Vince Cable has been stripped of responsibility for key decisions by his department after comments he made to undercover reporters SNP Home Affairs spokesperson Pete Wishart MP said the LibDem Ministers position was unsustainable.
It was earlier reported that Dr Cable had claimed he could "bring the government down", that being in the coalition was "like fighting a war" and that he could use the "nuclear option" of quitting.
Mr Wishart said:
“Vince Cable’s nuclear threat seems to have exploded in his face and the fallout has engulfed the Tory-led government. His position is totally untenable and he would certainly have been out of office had the UK government not been so totally hamstrung.
“From being a star turn, Vince Cable has become a liability for the LibDems and his remarks lift the lid on the cracks in the Tory-led government.
“Vince Cable’s boasts would be more believable if he had actually used his claimed influence to honour the LibDems pre-election promises on VAT and tuition fees. Instead the LibDems have betrayed voters by caving in to the Tories. We have a Business Secretary who can no
longer make key departmental decisions, and Ministers who vote for policies they campaigned against in the election.
“It seems we only find out what this Tory-led government are really thinking from their unguarded comments – with Vince Cables gaffes following Lord Young’s claims that we’ve never had it so good, and Lord Flight’s suggestion that welfare changes will encourage breeding amongst the poor.”
ENDS
SENATOR’S KANGAROO COURT MAKES THEM LOOK RIDICULOUS
For immediate use: Tuesday 21st December 2010
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
Commenting on the report by four US Senators into the compassionate release of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi SNP MSP Stewart Maxwell - a member of the Scottish Parliament's Justice Committee said:
“This is just a ridiculous exercise in grandstanding that reaches some bizarre conclusions with absolutely no basis in fact. It is bonkers.
“It is an absolute work of ill informed fiction by the four senators.
“We know Labour’s public opposition to the release contradicted their private desire for Megrahi to be sent home, but no one who has taken a second to look at this case would accept their contention that the SNP Government would do the bidding of a UK Labour Government
“This is a ridiculous re-hash by four Senators of material that is already in the public domain not an official report of the US Senate.
“The senators started off making wild claims about BP lobbying for the release of Al-Megrahi, and end up making the most bizarre allegations about Sainsbury’s buy outs.
“This report is a piece of politically motivated propaganda from the US Senators that lets down all those who worked long and hard to see justice done in the Lockerbie case.”
ENDS
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
Commenting on the report by four US Senators into the compassionate release of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi SNP MSP Stewart Maxwell - a member of the Scottish Parliament's Justice Committee said:
“This is just a ridiculous exercise in grandstanding that reaches some bizarre conclusions with absolutely no basis in fact. It is bonkers.
“It is an absolute work of ill informed fiction by the four senators.
“We know Labour’s public opposition to the release contradicted their private desire for Megrahi to be sent home, but no one who has taken a second to look at this case would accept their contention that the SNP Government would do the bidding of a UK Labour Government
“This is a ridiculous re-hash by four Senators of material that is already in the public domain not an official report of the US Senate.
“The senators started off making wild claims about BP lobbying for the release of Al-Megrahi, and end up making the most bizarre allegations about Sainsbury’s buy outs.
“This report is a piece of politically motivated propaganda from the US Senators that lets down all those who worked long and hard to see justice done in the Lockerbie case.”
ENDS
CALL TO REINSTATE FRESH TALENT
For immediate use: Tuesday 21st December
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
Christina McKelvie MSP has called for the reinstatement of the Fresh Talent Initiative as the UK Government moves to abolish post-study visas.
The previous Fresh Talent Working in Scotland scheme allowed international graduates of Scottish universities to apply to remain in Scotland and contribute to our economy for two years after graduation. The scheme was abolished by Gordon Brown’s government in 2008 and merged with the “Tier 1 Post Study Work Visa” scheme covering the whole of the UK.
SNP Central Scotland MSP Ms McKelvie has written to External Affairs Minister Fiona Hyslop asking her to explore with the UK Government re-instating Fresh Talent alongside devolving controls over migration to Scotland.
Commenting, Ms McKelvie said:
“The Fresh Talent Initiative was welcomed by the CBI, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce when it was launched in 2004, and should be reinstated now.
“People who study at our universities should be able to apply to work in Scotland for a couple of years after graduation to prove themselves as highly skilled workers, giving benefits back to Scotland. We spend a lot of money on our universities and they contribute massively to our country but we should be looking for every opportunity to get something back for Scotland out of that investment.
“We heard from business leaders, the External Affairs Minister, COSLA and the STUC earlier that the cap on immigration being introduced by the Tory Government in London would be “likely to impede Scotland’s economic recovery and distort the labour market” and reinstating Fresh Talent would help address that.
“Fresh Talent was a Scottish solution to a Scottish problem; it was abolished by Gordon Brown’s Government and now the Tory Government is abolishing its replacement. Without the return of Fresh Talent Scotland will be left without the means to retain talented graduates from outside Europe even though they got their degree from a Scottish university. Our universities train thousands of talented people and we would be sending them away instead of putting their talents to work boosting our economy and creating more jobs.
“Reinstating the Fresh Talent Initiative for Scotland is a sensible and practical solution and that’s what the Home Office should be doing. Without full powers for the Scottish Parliament we unfortunately have to rely on the UK Government to do this but it’s a move that Scotland needs.”
Notes:
Fresh Talent was launched 25th Feb 2004 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialreports/meetingsparliament/or-04/sor0225-02.htm#Col5940
Fresh Talent abolished by Labour in 2008 http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier1/freshtalent/freshtalentscotland/
Home Office consulting on removing all provision http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/policyandlaw/consultations/students/student-consultation.pdf?view=Binary
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
Christina McKelvie MSP has called for the reinstatement of the Fresh Talent Initiative as the UK Government moves to abolish post-study visas.
The previous Fresh Talent Working in Scotland scheme allowed international graduates of Scottish universities to apply to remain in Scotland and contribute to our economy for two years after graduation. The scheme was abolished by Gordon Brown’s government in 2008 and merged with the “Tier 1 Post Study Work Visa” scheme covering the whole of the UK.
SNP Central Scotland MSP Ms McKelvie has written to External Affairs Minister Fiona Hyslop asking her to explore with the UK Government re-instating Fresh Talent alongside devolving controls over migration to Scotland.
Commenting, Ms McKelvie said:
“The Fresh Talent Initiative was welcomed by the CBI, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce when it was launched in 2004, and should be reinstated now.
“People who study at our universities should be able to apply to work in Scotland for a couple of years after graduation to prove themselves as highly skilled workers, giving benefits back to Scotland. We spend a lot of money on our universities and they contribute massively to our country but we should be looking for every opportunity to get something back for Scotland out of that investment.
“We heard from business leaders, the External Affairs Minister, COSLA and the STUC earlier that the cap on immigration being introduced by the Tory Government in London would be “likely to impede Scotland’s economic recovery and distort the labour market” and reinstating Fresh Talent would help address that.
“Fresh Talent was a Scottish solution to a Scottish problem; it was abolished by Gordon Brown’s Government and now the Tory Government is abolishing its replacement. Without the return of Fresh Talent Scotland will be left without the means to retain talented graduates from outside Europe even though they got their degree from a Scottish university. Our universities train thousands of talented people and we would be sending them away instead of putting their talents to work boosting our economy and creating more jobs.
“Reinstating the Fresh Talent Initiative for Scotland is a sensible and practical solution and that’s what the Home Office should be doing. Without full powers for the Scottish Parliament we unfortunately have to rely on the UK Government to do this but it’s a move that Scotland needs.”
Notes:
Fresh Talent was launched 25th Feb 2004 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialreports/meetingsparliament/or-04/sor0225-02.htm#Col5940
Fresh Talent abolished by Labour in 2008 http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier1/freshtalent/freshtalentscotland/
Home Office consulting on removing all provision http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/policyandlaw/consultations/students/student-consultation.pdf?view=Binary
SNP SEIZE ON NEW LIBDEM MINISTER REVELATIONS
For immediate use – Tuesday 21 December 2010
Attn: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
The SNP have seized on further damaging revelations that senior LibDem Ministers, including Scotland Secretary Michael Moore, have privately condemned coalition policies on welfare reform and university tuition fees in recordings made by undercover reporters.
Commenting SNP Work and Pensions spokesperson Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP said:
"This is devastating for the Lib Dems in Scotland - Michael Moore has shown them to be utterly devoid of principle. Their duplicitous conduct over tuition fees and painful welfare reforms, which Michael Moore voted for publicly but privately condemns, shows why the LibDems
just can’t be trusted. These revelations are not just hugely embarrassing they are the death knell of the LibDems as a progressive party either north of south of the Border."
ENDS
Attn: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
The SNP have seized on further damaging revelations that senior LibDem Ministers, including Scotland Secretary Michael Moore, have privately condemned coalition policies on welfare reform and university tuition fees in recordings made by undercover reporters.
Commenting SNP Work and Pensions spokesperson Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP said:
"This is devastating for the Lib Dems in Scotland - Michael Moore has shown them to be utterly devoid of principle. Their duplicitous conduct over tuition fees and painful welfare reforms, which Michael Moore voted for publicly but privately condemns, shows why the LibDems
just can’t be trusted. These revelations are not just hugely embarrassing they are the death knell of the LibDems as a progressive party either north of south of the Border."
ENDS
PRIOR CONVICTIONS COULD BE USED IN COURT
Embargo: Tuesday 21st December
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL / JUSTICE CORRESPONDENTS
MAXWELL WELCOMES REVIEW OF EVIDENCE
A review of the use of prior convictions as evidence in court has been welcomed by SNP MSP Stewart Maxwell.
Prior convictions can not currently be presented as evidence in Scottish courts – however they can be used in England and can be used in sentencing in Scotland once someone has been convicted. The Scottish Law Commission today announced it will now look at the issue of using previous convictions.
SNP MSP and Justice Committee member Stewart Maxwell asked the Lord Advocate to review the situation following last year's Tobin case. Peter Tobin’s conviction for the murder of Vicky Hamilton was introduced as evidence, helping to explain the crime scene and establishing a pattern of behaviour which led to Peter Tobin’s conviction for the murder of Dinah
McNicol. In Scotland a jury would not have known that Mr Tobin had prior convictions for murder.
The SNP has already introduced legislation which would reform the law of double jeopardy allowing someone to be retried for a specific serious crime they had been cleared of if new evidence emerged.
Mr Maxwell, a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committee said:
“Justice must be done and done properly. There will be times when prior convictions are relevant to the case and should form part of the evidence used in a court.
“The trial and conviction of Peter Tobin in England last year for the murder of Dinah McNicol exposes the problems of the law in Scotland.
“In recent cases like Peter Tobin or Angus Sinclair, these killers have a clear modus operandi that could be valuable to a jury. In Scotland Peter Tobin’s previous convictions would not have been known to the jury – despite them directly relating to the case.
“A year ago I asked the Lord Advocate to consider changing the law in Scotland to allow prior convictions to be used in court and I am pleased she has reacted positively to my suggestion and the Law Commission is conducting this review.
“It is a complicated area and a series of safeguards will be required. I have suggested a pre trial hearing with a judge to decide if the evidence of prior convictions is relevant to the case and that this only applicable to the most serious offences.
“This is a welcome review and I hope will lead to a change in the law so that justice can be done properly.”
ENDS
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL / JUSTICE CORRESPONDENTS
MAXWELL WELCOMES REVIEW OF EVIDENCE
A review of the use of prior convictions as evidence in court has been welcomed by SNP MSP Stewart Maxwell.
Prior convictions can not currently be presented as evidence in Scottish courts – however they can be used in England and can be used in sentencing in Scotland once someone has been convicted. The Scottish Law Commission today announced it will now look at the issue of using previous convictions.
SNP MSP and Justice Committee member Stewart Maxwell asked the Lord Advocate to review the situation following last year's Tobin case. Peter Tobin’s conviction for the murder of Vicky Hamilton was introduced as evidence, helping to explain the crime scene and establishing a pattern of behaviour which led to Peter Tobin’s conviction for the murder of Dinah
McNicol. In Scotland a jury would not have known that Mr Tobin had prior convictions for murder.
The SNP has already introduced legislation which would reform the law of double jeopardy allowing someone to be retried for a specific serious crime they had been cleared of if new evidence emerged.
Mr Maxwell, a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committee said:
“Justice must be done and done properly. There will be times when prior convictions are relevant to the case and should form part of the evidence used in a court.
“The trial and conviction of Peter Tobin in England last year for the murder of Dinah McNicol exposes the problems of the law in Scotland.
“In recent cases like Peter Tobin or Angus Sinclair, these killers have a clear modus operandi that could be valuable to a jury. In Scotland Peter Tobin’s previous convictions would not have been known to the jury – despite them directly relating to the case.
“A year ago I asked the Lord Advocate to consider changing the law in Scotland to allow prior convictions to be used in court and I am pleased she has reacted positively to my suggestion and the Law Commission is conducting this review.
“It is a complicated area and a series of safeguards will be required. I have suggested a pre trial hearing with a judge to decide if the evidence of prior convictions is relevant to the case and that this only applicable to the most serious offences.
“This is a welcome review and I hope will lead to a change in the law so that justice can be done properly.”
ENDS
Monday, 20 December 2010
HIGH SPEED RAIL PLAN SHUNTS SCOTLAND INTO SIDINGS
For Immediate Release – Monday 20th January 2010
Attention: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
SNP Westminster Transport spokesperson, Angus MacNeil MP, has expressed disappointment after a statement from the UK Government today (Monday) confirmed that the first phase of high speed rail will not include Scotland.
The SNP Scottish Government has previously written to the UK Government over proposals for a high speed link from Edinburgh to London - a service which would bring considerable economic and environmental benefits.
The UK Government has so far failed to make the project a priority.
Commenting, SNP Transport Spokesperson Angus MacNeil MP said:
“Scotland has been shunted into the sidings again by the Tory Government.
“The ongoing travel chaos which has seen many domestic flights cancelled underlines the need for a high speed rail links between Scotland and the rest of the UK.
“If they Tory Government really were committed to improving links whilst cutting emissions and supporting Scotland’s economy, they would be proceeding with a high speed line to Scotland.
“The decision to start in Birmingham shows exactly where the Tory Government’s priorities lie.”
ENDS
Attention: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
SNP Westminster Transport spokesperson, Angus MacNeil MP, has expressed disappointment after a statement from the UK Government today (Monday) confirmed that the first phase of high speed rail will not include Scotland.
The SNP Scottish Government has previously written to the UK Government over proposals for a high speed link from Edinburgh to London - a service which would bring considerable economic and environmental benefits.
The UK Government has so far failed to make the project a priority.
Commenting, SNP Transport Spokesperson Angus MacNeil MP said:
“Scotland has been shunted into the sidings again by the Tory Government.
“The ongoing travel chaos which has seen many domestic flights cancelled underlines the need for a high speed rail links between Scotland and the rest of the UK.
“If they Tory Government really were committed to improving links whilst cutting emissions and supporting Scotland’s economy, they would be proceeding with a high speed line to Scotland.
“The decision to start in Birmingham shows exactly where the Tory Government’s priorities lie.”
ENDS
LABOUR IN COUNCIL TAX CHAOS - WHAT HAVE THEY GOT TO HIDE?
For Immediate Use – Monday 20 December 2010
Attn: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
FOUR WASTED YEARS SHOW LABOUR NOT UP TO JOB OF GOVERNMENT
The SNP has today branded Labour’s council tax plans as chaos and condemned the party’s four wasted years of searching for new forms of local taxation – time during which Labour could have supported fair local taxation and backed the SNP’s Local Income Tax.
This weekend signalled that Labour’s policy to replace the council tax with a new property tax was in disarray after they had continually promised that they would soon be publishing their plans and that they would be a key part of their election campaign next year.
In October 2008 Iain Gray admitted their plans in 2007 ‘didn’t add up’ and that they would not make their new plans ‘on the back of a fag packet’.
In March 2009 Iain Gray announced that a working group had been set up by finance spokesman Andy Kerr to study the issue.
By August 2009 it was reported that the policy would ‘form a key part of the party’s campaign and manifesto for the 2011 Holyrood election’ and would be ‘revealed in the coming months’.
Yet by August 2010 no plans had yet been published and Labour MSPs were warning Iain Gray that they needed ‘a coherent policy’. An MSP close to the leadership predicted that details would emerge in October at their Oban conference.
In the interim Labour indicates support for council tax to be increased by 3%
But by October 2010 at the Labour conference the working group was in the hands of Michael McMahon who said it was ‘finalising its report’
December 2010 still no finalised report and Labour is saying that its ‘plans will be published in our manifesto’.
Commenting SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson said:
"Labour are at sixes and sevens over local taxation. They have had years to come up with their plans and now say they will only publish weeks before an election. What are they hiding?
"Labour have spent the best part of eight years promising to reform or replace the unfair council tax, and have come up with nothing apart from a disastrous idea to impose a basket of new local taxes on top of the council tax.
“They don't have a credible alternative. They have an uncosted wish-list of too-good-to-be-true policies and Scotland. Their council tax confusion shows they are inexperienced and inconsistent.”
ENDS
Notes
News copy showing Labour’s changing positions on their property tax proposals:
1. Iain Gray, Sunday Times, 4th October 2008:
“We don’t have our own proposals,” he says candidly. “We went into the 2007 election with a proposal to try and make the council tax fairer and it didn’t add up. Central to our new manifesto is a properly worked out suggestion for how we make the council tax fairer.”
He is not prepared to give any further details of a putative scheme. “I’ve always resisted being asked to do that immediately on the back of a fag packet,” he says. “We made that mistake once before.”
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article4881250.ece
2. Press Association Scotland - 4th March 2009
Labour would keep a link to property when reforming the council tax, local authorities heard today.
The reformed tax would also be set locally, party leader Iain Gray said…
…Mr Gray said the working group set up by finance spokesman Andy Kerr to study the issue comprised seven people including two councillors, Graeme Morrice of West Lothian and Stephen Curran of Glasgow.
"As a first principle, it should be a property tax," he said.
3. The Times – 11th August 2009
Labour is preparing to regain the political initiative in Scotland with a plan to replace council tax with a local property tax.
The proposed tax would be based on the valuation of individual homes and would see those who carry out improvements, such as adding a conservatory or garage, paying more. It could form a key part of the party’s campaign and manifesto for the 2011 Holyrood election…
…The plan, which is to be revealed in the coming months once it has been agreed by the shadow Cabinet, is regarded as the answer to the Nationalists’ postponed attempt to introduce a local income tax.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6790853.ece
4. The Times – 31st August 2010
Backbench Labour MSPs at Holyrood are warning their leader that the party risks losing again to the SNP if it goes into next year's Scottish election without a coherent policy on replacing or changing the council tax.
They are anxious that with only nine months to go until Scottish voters go to the polls, the party appears no nearer to developing an alternative method of raising local authority finance…
…While they accept that Labour's policy formulation process has to be respected, the MSPs believe that time is running short for voters to familiarise themselves with Labour's alternative…
…Instead, they believe that Mr Swinney will simply warn councils that if they increase the council tax for next year he will remove each individual council's portion of the £70 million government subsidy that he gives them at present to cover the cost of the freeze.
"If that happens and we have still said nothing about what we would do, we'll be left looking as if we're backing the councils ... and that will be a very bad place to be," the MSP said.
…There was also confusion last night in Labour ranks about whether an alternative to the existing council tax would be revealed at the party's Scottish conference in Oban at the end of October. An MSP close to the leadership predicted that details would emerge in Oban.
However, an official spokesman for the party at Holyrood said: "It's possible, but not confirmed. It has to be properly robust. We are looking at a property-based alternative, but it is not certain what the timescale is."
5. Michael McMahon, speech to Scottish Conference, 29th October 2010:
“The Domestic Taxation Working Group I have been chairing is finalising its report.
“It will take account of the proposals announced in the recent Westminster Spending Review, it will take account of the 10% cut in Council Tax Benefit the ConDems have imposed and we are now waiting for the Scottish Government to publish the Scottish budget to see the full extent of the government cuts.
“We will come forward with our proposals when we know that we can deliver them - unlike the SNP, who can’t seem to make a promise without breaking it.
“Let me also be clear, though, that Scottish Labour remains committed to the principle of a property based tax.”
http://www.scottishlabour.org.uk/speech-to-scottish-conference-by-michael-mcmahon
6. Scotsman, 20th December 2010
A row has erupted over Scottish Labour's planned property tax amid reports the party had abandoned the policy…
…However, Labour claimed the report was speculation and said that the party's "plans will be published in our manifesto".
http://news.scotsman.com/uk/Row-over-Labour39s-tax-plans.6665915.jp
Attn: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
FOUR WASTED YEARS SHOW LABOUR NOT UP TO JOB OF GOVERNMENT
The SNP has today branded Labour’s council tax plans as chaos and condemned the party’s four wasted years of searching for new forms of local taxation – time during which Labour could have supported fair local taxation and backed the SNP’s Local Income Tax.
This weekend signalled that Labour’s policy to replace the council tax with a new property tax was in disarray after they had continually promised that they would soon be publishing their plans and that they would be a key part of their election campaign next year.
In October 2008 Iain Gray admitted their plans in 2007 ‘didn’t add up’ and that they would not make their new plans ‘on the back of a fag packet’.
In March 2009 Iain Gray announced that a working group had been set up by finance spokesman Andy Kerr to study the issue.
By August 2009 it was reported that the policy would ‘form a key part of the party’s campaign and manifesto for the 2011 Holyrood election’ and would be ‘revealed in the coming months’.
Yet by August 2010 no plans had yet been published and Labour MSPs were warning Iain Gray that they needed ‘a coherent policy’. An MSP close to the leadership predicted that details would emerge in October at their Oban conference.
In the interim Labour indicates support for council tax to be increased by 3%
But by October 2010 at the Labour conference the working group was in the hands of Michael McMahon who said it was ‘finalising its report’
December 2010 still no finalised report and Labour is saying that its ‘plans will be published in our manifesto’.
Commenting SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson said:
"Labour are at sixes and sevens over local taxation. They have had years to come up with their plans and now say they will only publish weeks before an election. What are they hiding?
"Labour have spent the best part of eight years promising to reform or replace the unfair council tax, and have come up with nothing apart from a disastrous idea to impose a basket of new local taxes on top of the council tax.
“They don't have a credible alternative. They have an uncosted wish-list of too-good-to-be-true policies and Scotland. Their council tax confusion shows they are inexperienced and inconsistent.”
ENDS
Notes
News copy showing Labour’s changing positions on their property tax proposals:
1. Iain Gray, Sunday Times, 4th October 2008:
“We don’t have our own proposals,” he says candidly. “We went into the 2007 election with a proposal to try and make the council tax fairer and it didn’t add up. Central to our new manifesto is a properly worked out suggestion for how we make the council tax fairer.”
He is not prepared to give any further details of a putative scheme. “I’ve always resisted being asked to do that immediately on the back of a fag packet,” he says. “We made that mistake once before.”
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article4881250.ece
2. Press Association Scotland - 4th March 2009
Labour would keep a link to property when reforming the council tax, local authorities heard today.
The reformed tax would also be set locally, party leader Iain Gray said…
…Mr Gray said the working group set up by finance spokesman Andy Kerr to study the issue comprised seven people including two councillors, Graeme Morrice of West Lothian and Stephen Curran of Glasgow.
"As a first principle, it should be a property tax," he said.
3. The Times – 11th August 2009
Labour is preparing to regain the political initiative in Scotland with a plan to replace council tax with a local property tax.
The proposed tax would be based on the valuation of individual homes and would see those who carry out improvements, such as adding a conservatory or garage, paying more. It could form a key part of the party’s campaign and manifesto for the 2011 Holyrood election…
…The plan, which is to be revealed in the coming months once it has been agreed by the shadow Cabinet, is regarded as the answer to the Nationalists’ postponed attempt to introduce a local income tax.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6790853.ece
4. The Times – 31st August 2010
Backbench Labour MSPs at Holyrood are warning their leader that the party risks losing again to the SNP if it goes into next year's Scottish election without a coherent policy on replacing or changing the council tax.
They are anxious that with only nine months to go until Scottish voters go to the polls, the party appears no nearer to developing an alternative method of raising local authority finance…
…While they accept that Labour's policy formulation process has to be respected, the MSPs believe that time is running short for voters to familiarise themselves with Labour's alternative…
…Instead, they believe that Mr Swinney will simply warn councils that if they increase the council tax for next year he will remove each individual council's portion of the £70 million government subsidy that he gives them at present to cover the cost of the freeze.
"If that happens and we have still said nothing about what we would do, we'll be left looking as if we're backing the councils ... and that will be a very bad place to be," the MSP said.
…There was also confusion last night in Labour ranks about whether an alternative to the existing council tax would be revealed at the party's Scottish conference in Oban at the end of October. An MSP close to the leadership predicted that details would emerge in Oban.
However, an official spokesman for the party at Holyrood said: "It's possible, but not confirmed. It has to be properly robust. We are looking at a property-based alternative, but it is not certain what the timescale is."
5. Michael McMahon, speech to Scottish Conference, 29th October 2010:
“The Domestic Taxation Working Group I have been chairing is finalising its report.
“It will take account of the proposals announced in the recent Westminster Spending Review, it will take account of the 10% cut in Council Tax Benefit the ConDems have imposed and we are now waiting for the Scottish Government to publish the Scottish budget to see the full extent of the government cuts.
“We will come forward with our proposals when we know that we can deliver them - unlike the SNP, who can’t seem to make a promise without breaking it.
“Let me also be clear, though, that Scottish Labour remains committed to the principle of a property based tax.”
http://www.scottishlabour.org.uk/speech-to-scottish-conference-by-michael-mcmahon
6. Scotsman, 20th December 2010
A row has erupted over Scottish Labour's planned property tax amid reports the party had abandoned the policy…
…However, Labour claimed the report was speculation and said that the party's "plans will be published in our manifesto".
http://news.scotsman.com/uk/Row-over-Labour39s-tax-plans.6665915.jp
BAN ‘FAIR-WEATHER FIRMS’ FROM ROYAL MAIL BID - MP
For Immediate Use – Monday 20 December 2010
Attn: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
SNP DELIVER WARNING ON UNIVERSAL SERVICE OBLIGATION THREAT
A senior MP has called for “fair-weather firms” who abandoned deliveries to addresses in Scotland because of the winter weather to be banned from bidding for Royal Mail under privatisation plans.
SNP Business and Enterprise spokesperson Mike Weir MP said the suspension of deliveries by private delivery companies underlined the difference between private firms and Royal Mail whose universal service obligation ensures that deliveries continue in all conditions.
Mr Weir, a member of the Postal Services Bill Committee, has tabled anEarly Day Motion (EDM) on the issue in parliament.
Mr Weir said:
“The difference between fair-weather firms who abandoned deliveries and Royal Mail who are battling through the winter weather totally reinforces the case to keep the post public.
“The companies that cancelled Christmas deliveries are not up to the standards of the universal postal service, and they should not be allowed to bid for Royal Mail under the UK governments privatisation proposals.
“We already know that Vince Cable is considering scrapping Saturday deliveries and switching to five day a week delivery – the absolute minimum allowed under European regulations. It is simply inconceivable that the universal service obligation could survive in its current form after privatisation.
“Any reduction in the universal service obligation will be hardest felt by people in rural areas, and crucially businesses, who rely about these deliveries. More so, at a time of economic turbulence it is absolutely crucial that businesses in rural areas have access to high quality mail services.
“The universal service obligation is vital to individuals and small businesses throughout Scotland and must not be put at risk by privitisation. This should be a wake up call to Vince Cable to reconsider his plans and abandon plans to sell off this vital national resource. At the very least he should make it abundantly clear that no company which is prepared to simply abandon services in Scotland will be considered as a purchaser of any part of Royal Mail.
“Royal Mail cannot be viewed as just another company. It provides an essential public service, especially to smaller communities and small businesses who do not have access to alternative carriers.”
ENDS
Note:
The text of Mr Weir’s EDM is detailed below:
Mail Deliveries
That this House congratulates Royal Mail employees in their sterling efforts to keep mail deliveries going in Scotland despite the recent atrocious weather; contrasts this with the decision of several private delivery services to abandon all attempts to deliver in Scotland;
believes that this demonstrates the difference between Royal Mail’s social obligations under the universal service and the attitude of private operators; calls upon the UK government to abandon plans to privitise Royal Mail or, at the very least, to state that no company which has shown itself unwilling to continue deliveries in these circumstances would be considered as a purchaser or partner of Royal Mail.
Attn: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
SNP DELIVER WARNING ON UNIVERSAL SERVICE OBLIGATION THREAT
A senior MP has called for “fair-weather firms” who abandoned deliveries to addresses in Scotland because of the winter weather to be banned from bidding for Royal Mail under privatisation plans.
SNP Business and Enterprise spokesperson Mike Weir MP said the suspension of deliveries by private delivery companies underlined the difference between private firms and Royal Mail whose universal service obligation ensures that deliveries continue in all conditions.
Mr Weir, a member of the Postal Services Bill Committee, has tabled anEarly Day Motion (EDM) on the issue in parliament.
Mr Weir said:
“The difference between fair-weather firms who abandoned deliveries and Royal Mail who are battling through the winter weather totally reinforces the case to keep the post public.
“The companies that cancelled Christmas deliveries are not up to the standards of the universal postal service, and they should not be allowed to bid for Royal Mail under the UK governments privatisation proposals.
“We already know that Vince Cable is considering scrapping Saturday deliveries and switching to five day a week delivery – the absolute minimum allowed under European regulations. It is simply inconceivable that the universal service obligation could survive in its current form after privatisation.
“Any reduction in the universal service obligation will be hardest felt by people in rural areas, and crucially businesses, who rely about these deliveries. More so, at a time of economic turbulence it is absolutely crucial that businesses in rural areas have access to high quality mail services.
“The universal service obligation is vital to individuals and small businesses throughout Scotland and must not be put at risk by privitisation. This should be a wake up call to Vince Cable to reconsider his plans and abandon plans to sell off this vital national resource. At the very least he should make it abundantly clear that no company which is prepared to simply abandon services in Scotland will be considered as a purchaser of any part of Royal Mail.
“Royal Mail cannot be viewed as just another company. It provides an essential public service, especially to smaller communities and small businesses who do not have access to alternative carriers.”
ENDS
Note:
The text of Mr Weir’s EDM is detailed below:
Mail Deliveries
That this House congratulates Royal Mail employees in their sterling efforts to keep mail deliveries going in Scotland despite the recent atrocious weather; contrasts this with the decision of several private delivery services to abandon all attempts to deliver in Scotland;
believes that this demonstrates the difference between Royal Mail’s social obligations under the universal service and the attitude of private operators; calls upon the UK government to abandon plans to privitise Royal Mail or, at the very least, to state that no company which has shown itself unwilling to continue deliveries in these circumstances would be considered as a purchaser or partner of Royal Mail.
Sunday, 19 December 2010
LABOUR IN DISARRAY AS THEY DITCH COUNCIL TAX REPLACEMENT PLAN
For Immediate Release – Sunday 19th December 2010
Attention: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
PLANS TO ADD NEW TAXES REVEALED
Scottish Labour are poised to announce a new set of local taxes, and have abandoned plans to come up with a council tax replacement, a party insider has told a Sunday newspaper. The report demonstrates yet further disarray in Labour over their plans for local taxation as their leader at Holyrood calls for an increase in council tax while the leader of Scotland’s largest council agrees with the SNP Scottish Government that it should be frozen.
The SNP remain committed to working with Scotland’s local authorities to ensure services are protected and the Council Tax remains frozen – keeping money in the pockets of Scottish taxpayers.
Commenting, Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson said:
“It beggars belief that Labour want to hit Scottish families with a new ‘basket of taxes’ as they contend with the effects of Tory cuts from Westminster.
“Labour are at sixes and sevens over local taxation. Iain Gray wants to hike the Council Tax, while Labour in Glasgow City have at long last agreed to freeze it, albeit with bad grace.
“Labour have spent the best part of eight years promising to reform or replace the unfair Council Tax, and have come up with nothing apart from a disastrous idea to impose a basket of new local taxes on top of the Council Tax.
“At the Scottish election in May, voters will have the choice between the SNP who have delivered in government, and Labour who can’t even come up with credible ideas in opposition.”
ENDS
Notes:
According to the Sunday Times today, Labour are planning a range of new taxes as part of their plans for council tax reform:
“The party will also suggest a series of new ways local authorities could raise extra revenue to relieve the burden on council tax payers.”
(‘Climbdown for Gray on property tax’ Sunday Times p9)
Attention: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
PLANS TO ADD NEW TAXES REVEALED
Scottish Labour are poised to announce a new set of local taxes, and have abandoned plans to come up with a council tax replacement, a party insider has told a Sunday newspaper. The report demonstrates yet further disarray in Labour over their plans for local taxation as their leader at Holyrood calls for an increase in council tax while the leader of Scotland’s largest council agrees with the SNP Scottish Government that it should be frozen.
The SNP remain committed to working with Scotland’s local authorities to ensure services are protected and the Council Tax remains frozen – keeping money in the pockets of Scottish taxpayers.
Commenting, Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson said:
“It beggars belief that Labour want to hit Scottish families with a new ‘basket of taxes’ as they contend with the effects of Tory cuts from Westminster.
“Labour are at sixes and sevens over local taxation. Iain Gray wants to hike the Council Tax, while Labour in Glasgow City have at long last agreed to freeze it, albeit with bad grace.
“Labour have spent the best part of eight years promising to reform or replace the unfair Council Tax, and have come up with nothing apart from a disastrous idea to impose a basket of new local taxes on top of the Council Tax.
“At the Scottish election in May, voters will have the choice between the SNP who have delivered in government, and Labour who can’t even come up with credible ideas in opposition.”
ENDS
Notes:
According to the Sunday Times today, Labour are planning a range of new taxes as part of their plans for council tax reform:
“The party will also suggest a series of new ways local authorities could raise extra revenue to relieve the burden on council tax payers.”
(‘Climbdown for Gray on property tax’ Sunday Times p9)
MACNEIL FIGHTS FOR FAIRER FUEL
For Immediate Release – Sunday 19th December 2010
Attention: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
LIB DEMS ‘MUST NOT DRAG HEELS’
SNP MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar and SNP Transport Spokesperson Angus MacNeil has written to the Chief Secretary of the Treasury, Danny Alexander, calling on the UK Government to introduce its rural fuel discount without delay.
The scheme was announced by Mr Alexander to Liberal Democrat conference on the 9th of October 2010 but no announcement has yet been made on the roll out of the scheme.
Mr MacNeil, who has campaigned for the scheme to be put in place before the New Year VAT rise, said:
“It’s a national scandal that, in an oil rich country like Scotland, we are paying the highest fuel prices in Europe. The Treasury must stop this highway robbery because soaring fuel prices are hindering economic recovery.
“A litre of diesel already costs more than £1.40 in parts of my constituency. Hiking VAT and duty in the New Year will send it even higher.
“Danny Alexander promised to take action almost three months ago but so far noting has happened. They cannot drag their heels any longer.
“What Ministers in London forget is that for people in rural areas, a car is a necessity and not a luxury. It’s time for real action not warm words.”
ENDS
Notes:
The text of the letter says:
Rural Fuel Discount Scheme
Dear Danny,
In October you announced that the Coalition Government would be proceeding with plans to implement a rural fuel discount for several areas of the UK including my constituency Na h-Eileanan an Iar.
As the VAT rise is looming, I would like to inquire as to any progress made in the implementation of this project. I would also implore you to bring these measures forward as soon as possible to help alleviate the increased financial burden on families and businesses across Scotland.
As motorists in Scotland continue to pay the highest petrol prices in the UK it is imperative that this Government see sense and fairness where they are due. As I have said and, will continue to say, a car is not a luxury in the Hebrides; it is a necessity.
Regards,
Angus Brendan MacNeil MP
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Attention: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
LIB DEMS ‘MUST NOT DRAG HEELS’
SNP MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar and SNP Transport Spokesperson Angus MacNeil has written to the Chief Secretary of the Treasury, Danny Alexander, calling on the UK Government to introduce its rural fuel discount without delay.
The scheme was announced by Mr Alexander to Liberal Democrat conference on the 9th of October 2010 but no announcement has yet been made on the roll out of the scheme.
Mr MacNeil, who has campaigned for the scheme to be put in place before the New Year VAT rise, said:
“It’s a national scandal that, in an oil rich country like Scotland, we are paying the highest fuel prices in Europe. The Treasury must stop this highway robbery because soaring fuel prices are hindering economic recovery.
“A litre of diesel already costs more than £1.40 in parts of my constituency. Hiking VAT and duty in the New Year will send it even higher.
“Danny Alexander promised to take action almost three months ago but so far noting has happened. They cannot drag their heels any longer.
“What Ministers in London forget is that for people in rural areas, a car is a necessity and not a luxury. It’s time for real action not warm words.”
ENDS
Notes:
The text of the letter says:
Rural Fuel Discount Scheme
Dear Danny,
In October you announced that the Coalition Government would be proceeding with plans to implement a rural fuel discount for several areas of the UK including my constituency Na h-Eileanan an Iar.
As the VAT rise is looming, I would like to inquire as to any progress made in the implementation of this project. I would also implore you to bring these measures forward as soon as possible to help alleviate the increased financial burden on families and businesses across Scotland.
As motorists in Scotland continue to pay the highest petrol prices in the UK it is imperative that this Government see sense and fairness where they are due. As I have said and, will continue to say, a car is not a luxury in the Hebrides; it is a necessity.
Regards,
Angus Brendan MacNeil MP
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Friday, 17 December 2010
LABOUR SPLIT ON GRADUATE TAX - GRAY MUST MAKE POLICY CLEAR
For immediate use: Friday 17th December 2010
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
MORE CHAOS AS MACINTOSH UNDERMINES MCNULTY
Iain Gray must make Labour’s policy on higher education clear after the party’s education spokespeople split on the issue of graduate taxes and contributions as the SNP’s University Challenge continues to keep the party in a spin.
Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary has made clear he wants a graduate tax or contribution and wants to to “work with the universities to bring that forward”, however his junior Ken MacIntosh who represented Labour at cross party summit on higher education today said he didnt think a graduate contribution was inevitable and that he was "certainly not in favour".
SNP MSP and Education Committee member Kenneth Gibson said:
“Iain Gray must make Labour’s policy on higher education funding crystal clear.
“His education spokesmen are clearly at sixes and sevens over Labour’s plan to tax students for their education.
““Labour tied themselves in knots over the council tax, pay restraint, police numbers and now student fees. They are utterly inconsistent and not up to the job of opposition, never mind government.
“Yhe SNP set out a University Challenge to opposition parties. We will set out our plans before the election for higher education based on the ability to learn, they must set out theirs.
“Labour betrayed students first with upfront tuition fees and then with a special Scottish backdoor fee abolished by the SNP. It is because of Labour universities and students face this challenge in the first place.
“Labour are split in London, split in Scotland and failing students everywhere. Iain Gray needs to get a grip, come clean with Scottish students and tell them how much he plans on charging them for their right to an education.”
ENDS
1) Ken MacIntosh’s comments were made during Brian’s Big Debate, BBC Scotland, Friday 17th December.
Brian Taylor (BT): Ken Are you in favour or do you believe it may be inevitable that there will be a Graduate Contribution
Ken Macintosh “I’m certainly not in favour and I worry that it may be inevitable. I think that’s the situation we’re all in. The difficulty all of us face is that and I think all of the parties are in this
situation, none of us wants to go into this election making a promise we can’t keep.
BT: You think it’s going to be inevitable, it’s going to have to happen.
KM: “No I don’t think it’s inevitable.
2) In a radio interview for Bauer on 16th Dec (reported in Courier, Dec 17th page 11 Scots will have to pay for university: Labour)
Des McNulty “There needs to be some sort of graduate contribution system but we need to think that through very very carefully and what we want to do is work with the universities to bring that forward. It is inevitable that there’s going to be some kind of contribution from the people who benefit from higher education.
3) Newsnight Scotland, 2300 Thursday Dec 16th
GB : Your solution , I understand it you’ve all managed to agree in the Labour party that you want a graduate
DMc “No I don’t think we’ve necessarily taken a firm view forward at this point
GB “I though it was one of Ed Milibands big things wasn’t it”
DMc “I think the graduate tax is certainly something that needs to be looked at, I think there are a whole range of things within the framework of a graduate contribution that we need to be look at and see which is the best alternative.
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
MORE CHAOS AS MACINTOSH UNDERMINES MCNULTY
Iain Gray must make Labour’s policy on higher education clear after the party’s education spokespeople split on the issue of graduate taxes and contributions as the SNP’s University Challenge continues to keep the party in a spin.
Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary has made clear he wants a graduate tax or contribution and wants to to “work with the universities to bring that forward”, however his junior Ken MacIntosh who represented Labour at cross party summit on higher education today said he didnt think a graduate contribution was inevitable and that he was "certainly not in favour".
SNP MSP and Education Committee member Kenneth Gibson said:
“Iain Gray must make Labour’s policy on higher education funding crystal clear.
“His education spokesmen are clearly at sixes and sevens over Labour’s plan to tax students for their education.
““Labour tied themselves in knots over the council tax, pay restraint, police numbers and now student fees. They are utterly inconsistent and not up to the job of opposition, never mind government.
“Yhe SNP set out a University Challenge to opposition parties. We will set out our plans before the election for higher education based on the ability to learn, they must set out theirs.
“Labour betrayed students first with upfront tuition fees and then with a special Scottish backdoor fee abolished by the SNP. It is because of Labour universities and students face this challenge in the first place.
“Labour are split in London, split in Scotland and failing students everywhere. Iain Gray needs to get a grip, come clean with Scottish students and tell them how much he plans on charging them for their right to an education.”
ENDS
1) Ken MacIntosh’s comments were made during Brian’s Big Debate, BBC Scotland, Friday 17th December.
Brian Taylor (BT): Ken Are you in favour or do you believe it may be inevitable that there will be a Graduate Contribution
Ken Macintosh “I’m certainly not in favour and I worry that it may be inevitable. I think that’s the situation we’re all in. The difficulty all of us face is that and I think all of the parties are in this
situation, none of us wants to go into this election making a promise we can’t keep.
BT: You think it’s going to be inevitable, it’s going to have to happen.
KM: “No I don’t think it’s inevitable.
2) In a radio interview for Bauer on 16th Dec (reported in Courier, Dec 17th page 11 Scots will have to pay for university: Labour)
Des McNulty “There needs to be some sort of graduate contribution system but we need to think that through very very carefully and what we want to do is work with the universities to bring that forward. It is inevitable that there’s going to be some kind of contribution from the people who benefit from higher education.
3) Newsnight Scotland, 2300 Thursday Dec 16th
GB : Your solution , I understand it you’ve all managed to agree in the Labour party that you want a graduate
DMc “No I don’t think we’ve necessarily taken a firm view forward at this point
GB “I though it was one of Ed Milibands big things wasn’t it”
DMc “I think the graduate tax is certainly something that needs to be looked at, I think there are a whole range of things within the framework of a graduate contribution that we need to be look at and see which is the best alternative.
MACNEIL HITS OUT AT ‘HIGHWAY ROBBERY’ AS AA CONFIRM RECORD FUEL PRICES
For immediate use – Friday 17 December 2010
Attn: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
Commenting on the AA Fuel Price Report published today (Friday) -which shows that Scotland has become the most expensive region in the UK for diesel in the same week as petrol prices reached a record high
– SNP Westminster Transport spokesperson Angus MacNeil MP warned that soaring fuel prices was hindering economic recovery.
Mr MacNeil said:
“It’s a national scandal that, in an oil rich country like Scotland, we are paying the highest fuel prices in Europe. The Treasury must stop this highway robbery because soaring fuel prices are hindering economic recovery.
“Danny Alexander promised to take action but so far noting has happened – the LibDems’ must not ditch their fuel price promise like they did with student fees.
“The VAT and duty increase set to take place in the New Year will send fuel in parts of my constituency past £1.40 a litre.
“What Ministers in London forget is that for people in rural areas, a car is a necessity and not a luxury. It’s time for real action not warm words.”
ENDS
Attn: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
Commenting on the AA Fuel Price Report published today (Friday) -which shows that Scotland has become the most expensive region in the UK for diesel in the same week as petrol prices reached a record high
– SNP Westminster Transport spokesperson Angus MacNeil MP warned that soaring fuel prices was hindering economic recovery.
Mr MacNeil said:
“It’s a national scandal that, in an oil rich country like Scotland, we are paying the highest fuel prices in Europe. The Treasury must stop this highway robbery because soaring fuel prices are hindering economic recovery.
“Danny Alexander promised to take action but so far noting has happened – the LibDems’ must not ditch their fuel price promise like they did with student fees.
“The VAT and duty increase set to take place in the New Year will send fuel in parts of my constituency past £1.40 a litre.
“What Ministers in London forget is that for people in rural areas, a car is a necessity and not a luxury. It’s time for real action not warm words.”
ENDS
Thursday, 16 December 2010
ASTOUNDING HYPOCRISY FROM LIBDEMS ON SUPERMARKETS
For Immediate Release – Thursday 16 December 2010
Attn: NEWS DESKS
BUSINESS / POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF OPPORTUNISM FROM A PARTY WITH NO PRINCIPLES
Commenting on the attacks by the LibDems on the SNP Government’s proposals to introduce a levy on supermarkets to redress the imbalance felt by many small retailers who have seen their customers pulled away, SNP MSP Rob Gibson – vice-convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee – highlighted how the LibDems took a totally different stance against supermarkets before the SNP proposed the levy.
LibDem attacks on supermarkets in the past included accusing them of “bully boy tactics” and having “overwhelming power”, saying farm businesses had “gone to the wall” because of supermarkets, and in one instance that local trade by independent shops would be “damaged by a new supermarket”.
Commenting Mr Gibson said:
“This is another example of a party that has no principles and will opportunistically adopt any conflicting stance just to attack the SNP. As we have seen with VAT, early cuts and most recently tuition fees, the Liberal Democrats will make any promise for votes but the renege.
“I’m sure many jaws dropped when they heard the LibDems become the defenders of supermarkets after spending so many years attacking supermarkets at a local level.
“Now they have become the supermarket’s friends and now ignore what small businesses say. They also appear to miss the other point that it is the early cuts his party is now supporting that means new sources of revenue have to be acquired.
“In short their new stance is not only sheer hypocrisy, it is sheer opportunism.
“Small businesses are the lifeline of our economy across Scotland and the SNP will do what it can to protect them in these difficult times as well as give them the opportunity to grow.”
ENDS
Notes:
Examples of the LibDems attacking the power and influence of supermarkets:
1. Tavish Scott
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott today joined the Liberal Democrat Westminster and Holyrood spokespeople for Edinburgh North and Leith, Kevin Lang and Alex Cole-Hamilton to visit local traders in Stockbridge, Edinburgh.
“Local traders are understandably concerned about the impact that a new Sainsburys could have on their businesses, particularly during a recession. The shoppers I met were very proud of Stockbridge’s reputation for good quality independent shops.
“It would be a real loss to this community if local trade was damaged by a new supermarket that shoppers in the area don’t appear to want or need.”
- 21 April 2009
http://www.scotlibdems.org.uk/news/2009/04/scott-joins-campaign-keep-stockbridge-local
2. Jeremy Purvis
On his website Jeremy Purvis lists his 11 Priorities including: "More support for local retailers struggling against the big supermarkets"
http://www.jeremypurvis.org/priorities.htm
3. George Lyon
“For too long farmers have had to bare the brunt of light touch regulation on the overwhelming power that major supermarkets enjoy."
George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland
28 October 2009
http://www.scotlibdems.org.uk/news/2009/10/lyon-eu-should-tackle-light-touch-regulation-supermarkets-food-chain
4. Alistair Carmichael
Commenting on today’s announcement from the government that they have accepted the Competition Commission’s (CC) recommendation to establish an independent body as a ‘supermarket ombudsman’, Orkney and Shetland MP said; “Today’s announcement is as welcome as it is overdue...I wonder how many farm businesses have gone to the wall in the time that the government have been thinking about this.”
13 January 2010
http://www.scotlibdems.org.uk/news/2010/01/government-must-ensure-supermarket-ombudsman-has-teeth-and-resources-do-job-properly
5. Jim Hume
Hume pushes Lord Mandelson for supermarket ombudsman
Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has today written to Business Secretary, Lord Mandelson, urging him to instigate measures which will see the creation of an Ombudsman to oversee the workings of the food supply chain.
"Consumers want to know that producers are getting a fair share of the market and they are often tired of what many have described to me as “bully boy tactics” demonstrated by large retailers in negotiating contracts."
17 November 2009
http://www.scotlibdems.org.uk/news/2009/11/hume-pushes-lord-mandelson-supermarket-ombudsman
Attn: NEWS DESKS
BUSINESS / POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF OPPORTUNISM FROM A PARTY WITH NO PRINCIPLES
Commenting on the attacks by the LibDems on the SNP Government’s proposals to introduce a levy on supermarkets to redress the imbalance felt by many small retailers who have seen their customers pulled away, SNP MSP Rob Gibson – vice-convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee – highlighted how the LibDems took a totally different stance against supermarkets before the SNP proposed the levy.
LibDem attacks on supermarkets in the past included accusing them of “bully boy tactics” and having “overwhelming power”, saying farm businesses had “gone to the wall” because of supermarkets, and in one instance that local trade by independent shops would be “damaged by a new supermarket”.
Commenting Mr Gibson said:
“This is another example of a party that has no principles and will opportunistically adopt any conflicting stance just to attack the SNP. As we have seen with VAT, early cuts and most recently tuition fees, the Liberal Democrats will make any promise for votes but the renege.
“I’m sure many jaws dropped when they heard the LibDems become the defenders of supermarkets after spending so many years attacking supermarkets at a local level.
“Now they have become the supermarket’s friends and now ignore what small businesses say. They also appear to miss the other point that it is the early cuts his party is now supporting that means new sources of revenue have to be acquired.
“In short their new stance is not only sheer hypocrisy, it is sheer opportunism.
“Small businesses are the lifeline of our economy across Scotland and the SNP will do what it can to protect them in these difficult times as well as give them the opportunity to grow.”
ENDS
Notes:
Examples of the LibDems attacking the power and influence of supermarkets:
1. Tavish Scott
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott today joined the Liberal Democrat Westminster and Holyrood spokespeople for Edinburgh North and Leith, Kevin Lang and Alex Cole-Hamilton to visit local traders in Stockbridge, Edinburgh.
“Local traders are understandably concerned about the impact that a new Sainsburys could have on their businesses, particularly during a recession. The shoppers I met were very proud of Stockbridge’s reputation for good quality independent shops.
“It would be a real loss to this community if local trade was damaged by a new supermarket that shoppers in the area don’t appear to want or need.”
- 21 April 2009
http://www.scotlibdems.org.uk/news/2009/04/scott-joins-campaign-keep-stockbridge-local
2. Jeremy Purvis
On his website Jeremy Purvis lists his 11 Priorities including: "More support for local retailers struggling against the big supermarkets"
http://www.jeremypurvis.org/priorities.htm
3. George Lyon
“For too long farmers have had to bare the brunt of light touch regulation on the overwhelming power that major supermarkets enjoy."
George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland
28 October 2009
http://www.scotlibdems.org.uk/news/2009/10/lyon-eu-should-tackle-light-touch-regulation-supermarkets-food-chain
4. Alistair Carmichael
Commenting on today’s announcement from the government that they have accepted the Competition Commission’s (CC) recommendation to establish an independent body as a ‘supermarket ombudsman’, Orkney and Shetland MP said; “Today’s announcement is as welcome as it is overdue...I wonder how many farm businesses have gone to the wall in the time that the government have been thinking about this.”
13 January 2010
http://www.scotlibdems.org.uk/news/2010/01/government-must-ensure-supermarket-ombudsman-has-teeth-and-resources-do-job-properly
5. Jim Hume
Hume pushes Lord Mandelson for supermarket ombudsman
Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has today written to Business Secretary, Lord Mandelson, urging him to instigate measures which will see the creation of an Ombudsman to oversee the workings of the food supply chain.
"Consumers want to know that producers are getting a fair share of the market and they are often tired of what many have described to me as “bully boy tactics” demonstrated by large retailers in negotiating contracts."
17 November 2009
http://www.scotlibdems.org.uk/news/2009/11/hume-pushes-lord-mandelson-supermarket-ombudsman
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